Sour figs: providing sustainable benefits for communities

Sour figs are used as a medicinal plant and to make preserves. These succulents have traditionally been harvested by local coastal communities. The primary harvest season runs from October to March, with a second, lower quality, harvest in the middle of the year. Traditionally people have harvested over the Christmas holidays to provide additional income for the festive season. The additional income has also been used to pay for school expenses at the beginning of the school year. Children have accompanied their parents on harvesting trips during their holidays, while students have also harvested through the summer months. Sour figs are used as a medicinal plant and to make preserves. These succulents have traditionally been harvested by local coastal communities. The primary harvest season runs from October to March, with a second, lower quality, harvest in the middle of the year. Traditionally people have harvested over the Christmas holidays to provide additional income for the festive season. The additional income has also been used to pay for school expenses at the beginning of the school year. Children have accompanied their parents on harvesting trips during their holidays, while students have also harvested through the summer months.
(Source: CAPE)